JOHN O'SHEA,
Sir, - The inference in Ian O'Riordan's piece on Maurice Fitzgerald last week is that the Cahirciveen man lacks commitment and fitness. John O'Keeffe, the Kerry selector is quoted as saying that "We didn't expect to get any commitment from him at this stage."
The truth, of course, is that there have been few players in the annals of Kerry football who have shown greater commitment to the cause than Maurice. As for his fitness, I would be prepared to wager a few million Rwandan shillings that he is as fit as any member of the present Kerry squad.
O'Keeffe and his fellow selectors, including trainer Paudi O'Sé, want Maurice only in the role of a substitute. Imagine, using Tiger Woods only in four balls at the Ryder Cup? This sad episode reflects poorly on the Kerry selection committee and indeed on Kerry football. What's certain is that there are 31 inter-county football managers shaking their heads in disbelief. -
JOHN O'SHEA,
Yours, etc.,
Monkstown,
Co Dublin.